Silver Lake Loop050

Rated an easy hike, the Silver Lake Loop is 0.8 mile long one-way, and has an elevation change of 30 feet. It takes approximately 45 minutes to hike it one-way. The trail begins at the Silver Lake Visitor's Center, loops around the lake, then returns hikers to the visitor's center. It connects with the Twin Lakes Trail, the Brighton Lakes Trail, and the Lake Solitude Trail.

The Silver Lake Loop Trail mostly consists of a boardwalk, but parts are dirt. The entire trail can be walked with a sturdy stroller. The boardwalk serves to protect the wetlands, so hikers are asked to stay on it all times. The scenic trail circles Silver Lake and provides access to fishing piers.

If the Silver Lake Visitor's Center is open, be sure to check it out - it's full of great information, and the feeders outside the windows offer nice bird watching opportunities. Restrooms and a drinking fountain are provided in the building, and there are restrooms outside as well. The center is typically open from early summer into the fall, weather permitting. It operates Wednesdays through Sundays and on holidays. Fieldtrips may be scheduled. Call for more information.

Several picnic tables are situated just west of the visitor's center.

The Silver Lake Loop trail is great for viewing wildlife and wildflowers. Deer and moose sightings are common here. The Salt Lake Ranger District would like to remind the public that although moose can appear calm and tame, they can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable, so please avoid them. Also, please enjoy, but do not pick the wildflowers. Picking them prevents blooming the following year.

When heading into the wilderness, it's always smart to bring a daypack stocked with bug spray, sunscreen, water, tissue, and snacks. It's also fun to bring along a field guide or two and some binoculars so wildlife viewing opportunities aren't missed. The canyons are great places to see birds, moose, butterflies, wildflowers, deer, and much more. Always make sure wildlife viewing is done from a safe distance; use the binoculars to get a closer look.

No bikes, horses, dogs, or motorized vehicle use is allowed on the trail.